Founders

Lydia ChiclesCEO & Founder

Results-driven with over 10 years experience in developing, recognizing and bettering products, Lydia Chicles developed much of her expertise working in creative & management roles in the magazine and design industry. Involved with Magazines Canada, an influential industry advocate, she lead the efforts and navigated the changing world of the print industry which was especially significant in helping shape her understanding of digital media and early adoption. Lydia began her globe trotting experiences early on. Born in Greece, living in South Africa, Canada and America, she had the opportunity early in her career to go on buying trips to India, where she honed her skills. Her strong beliefs of being resource responsible, while creating economic opportunities have lead to the international adoption of the products, platforms and connected technologies she leads. Sitting on the Board for NAWBO Orlando as Program Chair this year, is especially exciting and a way to give back to Community. Lydia was nominated as one of 6 finalist in the 2013 Business Plan competition sponsored by the likes of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, Duke Energy, Southwest.com amongst others. She enjoys spending time with her family and volunteering in community events centered around the arts. Lydia is passionate about helping with activities and workshops to achieve confidence with girls in STEM!

Advisors

Carol Ann Dykes is the site manager for the UCF Tech Incubator. Her professional experience is primarily in technology commercialization and entrepreneurship. She works extensively with universities, federal laboratories, entrepreneurs and small-mid sized technology companies. Her focus has been primarily market analysis, commercialization strategies, business planning, capital acquisition, and strategic partnerships. Carol manages all day-to-day operations of the incubator including advising clients, identifying and linking community resources to clients, managing staff and programs and facilities.

Bob Gannon spent over 20 years in both domestic and global leadership roles with the world’s leading marketing information and consulting companies, including Nielsen, IPSOS, Synovate, and WPP’s Kantar division. In his roles, Bob led business relationships with many of the world’s leading marketing and retail companies, including Kraft Foods, Coca Cola, Gillette, Unilever, Walmart, and Target. Bob’s areas of expertise span marketing, advertising, trade and consumer & shopper insights, and Bob has held senior leadership positions in customer service, sales, business planning, modeling & analytics, and information technology

Dale Silvia joined FOX Racing Shox in July 2013 as Vice President, Human Resources. An executive level, HR and business leader who has 25+ years of strategic and operational experience across multiple industries, levels, functions, and cultures including multi-site responsibility for HR operations in North America, Europe & Asia for companies such as Cisco, Scientific Atlanta, PepsiCo, (Frito-Lay), and Volvo-GM.

During a 40 plus years career with the Walt Disney Company, Matt held leadership positions in both the Sourcing and Procurement and the Public Affairs segments. Throughout much of his career he was responsible for driving value, implementing solutions and exceeding guest’s expectations for the Parks and Resorts. Later his role in the organization changed to building strong relationships in the diverse business communities. His main focus was on women and ethnic minority owned businesses, but he advised and supported the LGBT, Veterans and Disability segments as well. This enabled him to compile a vast network of internal and external key thought partners and decision makers. In 2013 he was named by DiversityInc.com as one of the Year’s Champions of Diversity. He also received the Hispanic Business Council’s President’s Award for Service and the FMSDC’s award of Supplier Diversity’s Advocate of the Year. In May of 2014, Matt was named the Regional Director of Central Florida by the Women’s Business Development Center of Florida, the regional partner organization of WBENC. Matt’s passion is in mentoring entrepreneurs to connect with Corporate America and his expertise is in navigating the corporate ladder to find the right decision makers and developing lasting relationships.